PROPOSAL SUMMARY
“What if every Zambian youth—regardless of where they lived or their economic background could access real opportunities at the tap of a button? This is the question we have been pondering at the Luanshya Information and Learning Center since the Center’s inception in 2023 when we brought free wi-fi and access to computers to Luanshya and begun conducting youth workshops to connect youth to life-changing educational, business, and personal development opportunities.”
INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANIZATION
or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program
Because the Luanshya Information & Learning Center has deep community engagement and trust, proven impact, and a commitment to youth empowerment. Since its founding, the Luanshya Information and Learning Center, has reached over 1,000 young people through our workshops—and they’ve asked for a digital tool that goes further.
Since its founding, the Luanshya Information and Learning Center, has reached over 1,000 young people through our workshops—and they’ve asked for a digital tool that goes further. Ikatika will scale that impact to 100,000+ within 2 years while developing a sustainability roadmap — including institutional subscriptions and sponsored content to ensure Ikatika can grow and serve youth long-term. Developing an app that is relevant and useful for the local Zambian context, including language and cultural preferences, is important for success.
We’re seeking $25,000 in funding and partnerships with developers, investors, and innovators to co-create a platform that puts the future of Zambia’s youth in their hand
PROBLEM STATMENT
“Youth unemployment in Zambia is over eighty percent and more in provinces outside Lusaka. Opportunities exist—but they are scattered, inaccessible, or simply unknown to most young people. There’s no single platform where Zambian youth can easily discover, apply for, and benefit from programmes. Zambia’s youth population is surging — digitally connected, resourceful, and ready to lead. But the opportunity gap remains wide, and traditional systems aren’t keeping pace. This disconnect is costing potential, we need to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
An example of this disconnect is the case for Luanshya. Luanshya’s Roan Antelope mine is considered Zambia’s first modern and commercial copper mine commissioned in 1909. To compliment the mining, the company Zambia Metal Fabricators, (ZAMEFA) was established in Luanshya in 1968. ZAMEFA was a key player in the manufacturing sector, producing copper products that include low-voltage cables, flexible wires, aerial bundle conductors, and aluminium overhead conductors. Essentially, for over 100 years Luanshya has robustly contributed to the economy of Zambia and yet still lacks in the most basic development like specialized healthcare. Closed since 2008, the Luanshya copper mine is scheduled to reopen later in 2025. There is excitement anticipation in the town at the prospect of jobs. Unemployed youth that we surveyed don’t know how to apply for jobs at the mine nor do they know how to go about doing business with the mines as contractors. That information is not advertised anywhere in Luanshya.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTS
“Ikatika” means “Get Connected” in ChiBemba, Zambia’s most widely spoken language.
Still in development, the Ikatika app is being designed with scalability and sustainability in mind. Its potential market includes millions of young users across Zambia
with initial rollout anchored in Luanshya and the Copperbelt.
Our vision is for a mobile app that curates and delivers up-to-date, verified opportunities in:
o Promoting entrepreneurship and business development with information on business loans, grants, mentorship and accelerator programs.
o Employment: job boards, internships, volunteering.
o Education: scholarships, skills training, bursaries.
o Life Skills: mental health, civic engagement, and more.
The user can filter by age, location, and interests—making the app deeply personal and relevant. Notifications alert them to deadlines. A built-in CV builder and a community support forum foster readiness and resilience.
PROJECT METHODS AND DESIGN:
While most apps in Africa focus on one vertical—jobs, or school—Ikatika brings it all together. It’s tailored for Zambia’s digital realities: light on data, available in multiple languages, and designed with both urban and rural users in mind.”
Logic Model:
Inputs: Funding for app development, staff time for content creation, partnerships with local businesses, both private and government organization.
Activities: Actions the app facilitates or provides.
- Providing access to a database of opportunities, personalized recommendations based on youth interests and skills, mentorship or support services, online workshops and training
Outputs: Direct services from the activities.
- Number of app users, number of opportunities accessed, number of youth engaged in online activities, number of referrals to support services.
Short-term Outcomes: Observable changes in youth knowledge, skills, or attitudes.
- Increased awareness of available opportunities, improved self-efficacy, enhanced job readiness, increased access to resources.
Intermediate Outcomes: Changes in behavior or engagement.
- Increased application for opportunities, participation in online learning or workshops, seeking help with job searching or resume writing, networking with peers or mentors.
Long-term Outcomes: Changes in youth's broader life trajectory.
- Increased employment or educational attainment improved economic stability, enhanced community involvement, successful transitions to adulthood.
Key Considerations:
Engagement: Ensure the app is user-friendly and engaging for the target youth population.
Reach: Strategically promote the app to reach the intended audience.
Data: Collect and analyze data on app usage and outcomes to inform improvements.
Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with community organizations to support youth.
Sustainability: Develop a plan for long-term funding and support.
Proposed App Development Timeline: Location: Digital, Virtual
- Research and Planning (2-3 weeks): This involves defining the app's purpose, target audience, and market analysis. (Completed)
- Design and Prototyping (5-7 weeks): Creating wireframes, mockups, and user interface/user experience (UI/UX) designs.
- App Development (3-6 months): This includes coding, backend development, and integrating with third-party services.
- Testing and Quality Assurance (2-3 weeks): Ensuring the app is free of bugs and meets quality standards.
- Deployment and Launch (2-4 weeks initial, then ongoing): Submitting the app to the app stores and post-launch updates.
- Post-launch Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
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